By, Gigi C.’23

How was your summer? Busy, boring? Well how about a trip to Greece? The Durrells in Corfu is a hilarious British comedy-drama series based on the corresponding Corfu Trilogy by Gerald Durrell. “While I sincerely wish the TV adaptation well, I do so with one qualification: if you haven’t had the pleasure of reading the book… please do so first” says Meg Rosoff from The Guardian. The first book, “My Family and Other Animals”, can be found on the Upper School reading list, and thus is highly recommended as well. 

A twist on a true story, a dysfunctional English family spontaneously decides to relocate to the sun-drenched island of Corfu, Greece. The audience is first introduced to Louisa Durrell, a widowed mother who is struggling to support her family and developing a bad gin habit. In addition, she is constantly swamped by her huge range of unruly children: Larry, 21, is an aspiring writer who is arrogant, opinionated, and in typical British fashion, sarcastic beyond belief. Next comes Leslie, 18, who is a sweet yet dim boy who always carries around his rifle to fulfill his passion of shooting anything in sight. Margo, 17, is a teenage girl who only has boys on her mind, and finally, Gerry, 11, is a zoologist keen on exploring the wildlife of Greece. 

With few options left, Louisa and her family leave old, grey England in search of a better life on the other side of Europe. In a crumbling waterfront home, the Durrells manage to navigate the foreign Mediterranean paradise with some help from a few locals, including Spiro, Louisa’s first friend and driver, and Lugaretzia, the disapproving yet witty house help. 

Despite their constant complaints, the four children are able to find their place in Corfu. Larry attempts to write his world-renowned novel as he swats away the pelican that Gerry has discovered, along with many other exciting creatures. Margo and Leslie are caught in romance as they meet their new Greek lovers. As the kids settle in, Louisa is still managing her role as a single mother and adjusting to her new life on the island. Not only must she play the role of the provider, but she is also the bachelorette as the children try to find her a suitable boyfriend.The fascinating adventures of the Durrells are an enchanting tale that should not be missed. Shot among olive-tree hills, sun-drenched beaches, and the brilliant blue Adriatic sea, this captivating series will make you rethink your summer holiday plans and pack your bags. Wild animals, broken hearts, drunken sailors, and constant adventure are a few words to describe this masterpiece. “The beautiful scenery makes me want to go to Corfu,” says Audrey C. ’24.  So why wait? With the fourth and final season soon to come, put down that history paper and enjoy this marvelous show.